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Wondering how the weather will be in Mumbai this Diwali? Check IMD’s latest forecast for rainfall, temperature, and air quality ahead of the festive celebrations
Currently 91° · Hazy sunshine
Mumbai, India
| Today | 93°80° | Hazy |
| Tuesday | 92°80° | Hazy; air quality will be very unhealthy |
 Wednesday | 92°82° | Clouds limiting sunshine; air quality will be very unhealthy |
| Thursday | 92°81° | Hazy and humid; a thunderstorm in spots in the afternoon; air quality will be very unhealthy |
| Friday | 89°81° | Mostly cloudy with a thunderstorm in a couple of spots in the afternoon |
| Saturday | 92°76° | Mostly cloudy with a stray shower |
| Sunday | 94°78° | Hazy and humid |
Festive skies ahead — what to expect
Outlook for Diwali in Mumbai
As Mumbai gears up for Diwali — traditionally a time of lighting lamps, bursting crackers, family gatherings and late‑evening celebrations — the weather is playing a subtle but important supporting role. According to recent forecasts by the IMD, the city can expect hazy skies, warm temperatures and humid conditions, with a possibility of light rain or thunderstorms in coming days. Some past reports suggest slightly unsettled weather might spill into the festive window.
For example, one forecast summary states that the city has “overcast skies and light rain showers … humidity around 88%” with “intermittent light to moderate rain over the next week.”
Key metrics to watch
- Temperature: Daytime highs in the low 30 °C range (around 33‑34 °C) and night‑time lows in the high‑20s (around 26‑27 °C) are likely.
- Humidity & haze: Conditions may feel sticky. Hazy skies have already been reported for Mumbai.
- Rain & thunderstorms: While heavy rain is not on the cards for the city, light showers and thunderstorms may materialize, especially in the evening or night, as an upper‑air circulation over the Arabian Sea could influence the region.
- Air quality: One of the more significant concerns — as the festive season intensifies, air pollution may spike, which combined with calm/windy conditions could impact visibility and outdoor comfort.
What this means for Diwali plans
Outdoor celebrations & fireworks
If you’re planning to step out or arrange gatherings in balconies, rooftops or open courtyards:
- The warmish, humid weather is favourable for being outdoors — it won’t be bitterly cold, so the lamp‑lighting and socialising should be comfortable.
- However, keep in mind: the possibility of light rain or a passing thunder‑shower in the later evening means it’s a good idea to have some cover ready (umbrellas, rain‑shelter, tarpaulin for outdoor décor).
- For fireworks and open‑air Diwali rituals, check for wind and local shelter conditions. Humidity and haze may reduce visibility slightly, so aim for earlier evening bursts rather than late‑night when conditions could worsen.
- Since air quality is expected to raise concerns, those sensitive to pollution (children, elderly, those with respiratory issues) should consider choosing less polluted zones or celebrating partly indoors.
Home décor, lights & less stress
- Decoration with diyas, lights and rangoli should be quite feasible thanks to warm evenings. If a short shower comes, it likely won’t derail the evening completely but consider modest outdoor décor rather than ultra‑elaborate setups that need many hours of dry conditions.
- For rangoli on open floors, choose sheltered areas (veranda, under an overhang) in case of light wind or drizzle.
- Since temperatures won’t sharply drop, you can expect a relatively comfortable evening without need for heavy jackets or heaters.
Travel, crowd & local logistics
- If you’re travelling to meet friends/family or going out for the evening, anticipate slightly slower traffic if there’s a shower. Mumbai’s local roads can get slick when rains come briefly.
- Maritime/tide conditions: there are no heavy‑rain alerts currently for part of the city, but if a short downpour hits, low‑lying roads may get waterlogged.
- Since air‑quality is a concern, outdoor shopping and open‑air markets (which are common during Diwali) may feel a bit uncomfortable at peak times; plan visits during early hours or choose semi‑indoor venues.
Why the weather is behaving this way
Monsoon withdrawal & residual moisture
The southwest monsoon has officially pulled back from large parts of Maharashtra. But Mumbai is still under the influence of residual moisture from the Arabian Sea and an upper‑air cyclonic circulation around ~1.5 km altitude which is expected to bring some instability. As one IMD official put it: “an upper air cyclonic circulation exists … that is expected to bring some rain activity in the coming days.”
Air quality deterioration & festive conditions
With Diwali approaching, typical patterns intensify: fireworks, crackers, lighting, outdoor gatherings. Experts (for example at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology) warn that lowering wind speeds plus increased humidity could trap pollutants in the air, causing a spike in PM₂.₅ concentrations. For Mumbai, readings above 200 have been reported in some zones ahead of the festival.
Why major rain is unlikely
While rainfall is possible, the models don’t suggest heavy downpours or major disruptions for Mumbai during Diwali. Earlier forecasts note that only “light to moderate” rain should be expected, and the city has not been issued red or orange alerts for heavy rainfall for the festival timeframe.
Special advisory & preparedness tips
- Check local forecasts and alerts: Before stepping out for evening rituals, check a reliable weather‑app or the IMD’s local bulletin for any last‑minute alerts or shower warnings.
- Have rain cover handy: A small umbrella or waterproof cover for outdoor décor or seating helps.
- Choose sheltered outdoor spots: For lighting lamps, fireworks or gathering outdoors, select patios or places with some shelter from wind or drizzle.
- Mind the air quality: If you have respiratory conditions, consider reducing outdoor exposure around late evening; using masks in high‑pollution pockets or choosing an indoor venue can help.
- Plan timings smartly: If possible, schedule fireworks or large outdoor activity earlier in the evening when visibility and comfort may be slightly better. Late‑night humidity/haze could reduce clarity and increase discomfort.
- Be cautious on roads after light rain: Even a small shower can make surfaces slippery and cause water‑logging in low spots; allow extra travel time.
- Stay hydrated and comfortable: Even though it’s evening and festive, warm humidity means you may get sweatier than usual. Dress in breathable fabrics and keep water handy.
- Electrical decorations & safety: With possible showers, ensure lights and wires are protected, placed off the ground, and plugged into proper sockets to avoid hazards.
What if it rains? A backup plan
If a shower interrupts plans:
- Move outdoor gatherings inside: shift from terrace to living room or balcony if possible.
- Switch fireworks to smaller indoor‑safe ones or delay by an hour and use the pause for some indoor rituals (puja, snacks, rangoli).
- Use alternative lighting (battery‑operated fairy lights, LED lamps) if weather seems uncertain.
- If air‑quality becomes bad (say AQI > 200), move strong fragrance items or lighting indoors where air‑filtration (fans/AC) is available.
In summary
For Mumbai this Diwali, the weather is mostly favourable for celebration: warm evenings, manageable humidity and only a moderate chance of a light shower or thunder‑shower. While major disruption is unlikely, the combination of warm, humid conditions plus possible rain and poor air quality means residents should plan sensibly — especially when organising outdoor events or travelling. With a little smart timing and some modest weather‑proofing, the festive mood should carry through well.
